[ltrider]

I understand that the bike had stability problems and the owner has crashed the bike.



It seems that BMW will be coming out with a revised version of the K12RS, which should be introduced in Europe this spring. This bike is purported to have an adjustable windshield and greater riding comfort. It seems that it probably is easier to upgrade the RS rather than to take away content from the the LT.

 

[1163]

Re: Actually HD beat blah blah

Nope. You're wrong. That's Florida that can't count.

 

[lexs]

Re: HUH?! BMW vs. Honda Reader Feedback

I've had three "oil heads"(and several "air heads" and two K bikes and a slew of Hondas and Yamahas), including an R1100GS. I've never had a transmission problem and have head of very few since the early problems. I do agree about the surging, BMW has screwed up big time on that. It is not that it is a major problem, it is that BMW should have fixed it quickly and they have taken much to long. As long as we are comparing Hondas and BMWs have you ridden a VFR800? They don't surge, exactly, but it is very hard to ride them smoothly at low speeds. I have read the other new, injected Honda have similar problems.

OTOH, you clearly know nothing about the PD bikes, they share about as many parts with the street bike and a NASCAR racer does with the street version. They are dirt bikes with a (reduced displacement to meet the rules) R1100 motor stuck in them, not modified street bikes.

The telelever bikes work better then most bikes with the stock (low grade) shock. If the front end of the GS is so bad why is the bike rated by just about every magazine as one of the best handling bikes in the world? For the $900 you spent you upgraded to a front end equal to a $3000+ set of Ohlins. BTW, you could have gotten 99% as good a front end by buying a $500 Fox shock.

You also have clearly never ridden any distance on an LT, saying the electric windshield is no different than remote lock proves that. You sound like the people who don't need electric clothing, they have never user it either.

I would never say BMWs are perfect, far from it. But it sounds to me like you bought the wrong bike for your tastes and needs and you are blaming BMW for your mistake. FWIW, I made the same mistake. I loved my R100GS and bought the R1100GS because I thought it was just an improved version of the R100. The R1100GS is, IMO, a bike for posers. It is useless in the dirt (I got my R100GS into and out of amazing places) and is in just about every measurable way inferior to the R1100R. It is JMHO but now that a Roadster that isn't butt ugly has come out I think R1100/ 1150GS sales will plummet. The Roadster was always a better bike but the thing was so ugly no one would buy them.

 

[lexs]

Re: Not always

Given the incredible advances Suzuki has brought to bikes in the last few years I guess it is fitting that they are embracing the on-line world while Honda is living in the past.;-)

BTW, I don't own a Honda or a Suzuki at this time.

 

[Wingboy]

Re: Honda Optional vs. BWM Standard

Okaaayyy ... so what "new and improved" models in the past have you seen where the price actually dropped or stayed the same? 2K is not much of an increase considering the R&D and the risk Honda is taking in upgrading the machine.

If features is your concern wait and buy a used one after someone has decked it out. It's always less expensive that way, but having ridden both I have to say the 1800 is a heck of a performing machine. The LT is nice, but too tall and '' feeling to me, not to mention the routine mainentance is more expensive and happens a lot more often than on the Wing. Fun bike, but not my style at that price ...

Johnb

 

[Wingboy]

Re: A Weighty Subject

Yeah, the "X-Wing" looked great. A slimmer more stylish and higher-output ST-1100 / Wing mix. I was going to buy one if they produced it, now I guess I'll get the 1800 ...

Johnb

 

[snakedoctor]

what's he trying to say ????

 

[reinerka]

Having now driven the new GoldWing myself for some 3200 miles

since November '00 I must say it really is an awesome bike.



I have had the opportunity to ride some LT's before and must

say that the comparison is well to the point. One of the things

that got me into the Honda is that it's look from the driver

perspective is much better than the awkward BMW styling. Why

does it have to look like the handlebar is a mile in front of you?



The milage of the GoldWing is now settling to around 45mpg. For

the engine, definately not bad. Considering my driving even

better



For long distance riding I can only say that on the weekends we

normally do around 500-800 miles and never feel that the legroom

is insufficient. The seating position is very relaxing on long

trips. The point goes to Honda. The BMW is good, but not as

perfect.



Ride safe,

Reiner

 

[anmlchin]

Re: Gas mileage and windshield adjustment

Adjustable windshields are great. I rode a BMW r1100rt over a fun two-laner a few years ago on a day that went from rain to drizzle to sun. The on the fly adjustment allowed me to raise the windshield so my helmet visor stayed totally dry, that way I didn't have to stop to clean it. But of course it was buffeting and noisy all the way up so as soon as the rain stops the windshield gets lowered. You really can't imagine the difference it makes untill you ride with one.

 

[vagabond]

Re: The throne may be removeable

There WAS a Euro version Wing that had a shorter Windshield, and "compact" trunk - saw a photo a few years ago. Think it was for the Autobahn - amybe a German version? Don't know what mag it was but it was Rider, Cycle World or the like.

 

[Pep]

Re: Have to dissagree...

'94 R1100RS; 40K miles - no problems...

'98 K1200RS; 40K miles - no problems...

'00 K1200LT; 16K miles - no problems...

Just my personal experience...

 

[Pep]

Re: Ergonomically Deficient?

Having just returned from a trip from DC to the FL Keys and back a couple of weeks ago on the K1200LT, I can assure you that the LT is very comfortable... I rode back in one big chunk; 1,227 miles in 1,155 minutes [I love doing stuff like that]... I'm 6'2"/200 or so; the LT ain't for short folks... I run it through the twisties dragging the pegs all the time too, and it handles very well for such a heavy bike... Right/Left transitions [and vice versa] are kinda slow, though...

 

[Pep]

Re: KLT Gas milage great/windshield great...

I get 37-39 mpg on the 2000 KLT I have... I have the shorter euro windscreen which I leave down in town and full up on the slab... Taste is personal, but I like the looks of the LT lots better than the Honda... Won't be challenging any GL1800 riders to "green-light" grans prix, though...

 

[Goldspond]

To some extent, I would have liked Honda to have been a bit more open as to what the 2001 Goldwing was going to be. I was in the market in August for a second cycle, with a 1994 Pacific Coast as my only cycle at the time (now with 105K, never touched engine). I wanted something I could get my wife to always want to hop on board with, something that I could use a few days a week as a second commuter cycle (I live in the San Fran area and have a dual bridge commute). This lead me either to the K12LT or the Wing. Since the new wing was still a secret in Aug 2000, my choice became the BMW. Either one is BIG. Even when compared to a PC800. But it handles wonderfully. After getting it broken in, my wife and I and our two dogs went through the high Sierras and back; 700 miles in two days thru wonderful twisties. Although you don't purchase a cycle like this for its gas mileage, we only used 12 gallons for that trip and I usually get 48-50 mpg on commute days.

There are really only three things I wish the BMW would have the the Honda does. An unlimited mileage warranty for the first three years, a built in intercom, and compartment innerliners (luggage). It has more than enough omph to snap your neck accelerating (sorry, just how much horsepower to weight does someone really need), it handles like it is on rails once up to speed, it stops as well, if not better than it gets going with the anti-lock. And for me, it feels like my PC.

 

[Pep]

Re: Taste is, well... personal...

I'm an LT owner, and I was concerned I'd fall in love with the new 'Wing; I didn't... Definately does not handle as well as the LT; I removed my top case, and ride the LT as a sport tourer - the Honda does not have the ground clearance to do that... Also, I'm 6'2" with a 34" inseam; the GL felt too small for me, if you can believe that... We're just lucky to have the problem of having to choose between these two awesome bikes!

 

[EuroBikeFanatic]

Re: Eye Witness Account

Not true gentlemen. BMW's New 'Evo' brake system is a 2 system design. On the sport tourers equipped with it, for now only the new 2002 R1150R-ABS, the front brake operates the entire brake system, and the rear brake pedal operates only the rear brakes. On the touring models, currently the 2002 R1150RT and soon the 2002 K1200LT, both hand lever and brake pedal operate the entire brake system. Difference is that the BMW system is dynamic and intelligent load sensing. That means, the system can analyze brake loading force on each wheel independently, and dynamicaly adjust the proportioning valve in the solenoid to adjust brake pressures. Incidently, the new 'Evo' system, is power solenoid assisted and requires 50% less control pressure to receive the same braking force as before, and the new pads are specially constructed of a material designed for this system, providing a minimum 50% greater service life than previous BMW pads.

Having ridden both fully and partially linked systems over 500 miles each, and deliberately putting them throught their paces, I can say that BMW's new 'Evo' system is simply amazing and must be ridden to appreciate or comment on it.

Try one, I think you'll be shocked at just how good motorcycle brakes can be.

 

[2550]

hahahahahahaha-my sentiments exactly. As a VMax owner I easily remember that bikes are about power and performance and adrenalin-not stereos and 830lbs.

 

[valkbiker]

Best touring bike for all around purpose is the Valk Interstate. Beats all others hands down.

 

[Gregg]

Re: Honda Optional vs. BWM Standard

Oh, how the times have changed. Being the guy who posted the original "parent" post ("...on my 6th 'Wing, blah, blah, blah..."), I have come to see the light without regard for the almighty dollar. I have on order a Pearl Orange '02 'Wing w/ ABS, due to arrive at my dealer in September, complete with $5400 in extra do-dads to go along with it. That's right, nearly $24K worth of 'Wing. Pearl Orange, you say? Yep - looks more copper than orange in person (saw one at 'Wing Ding in Greenville, SC last week). After riding one, I was hooked, and if you're a big bike rider wondering what they're like, I recommend you don't do it unless you're ready to buy one...they're THAT good! Now that being said, my wife is riding and potentially buying a new K1200-LTI this weekend. It's tough to beat 0.9% financing, and she'll really be stepping up from her '89 Honda Pacific Coast. Looks like I might just have the best of both worlds very soon...

Gregg

 

[YadaYada]

The Valk Interstate is basically just an unfaired Goldwing with classic styling and chrome. I can't see how it could possibly be BETTER for touring.